Imagine you are in the middle of a hot summer day, and suddenly your AC breaks. We know that this would be complete chaos since the temperature will start skyrocketing. That means, after a while, you’ll start feeling uncomfortable. To help you solve this problem, we will tell you what to do when your HVAC is not blowing cold air.
If your HVAC system is not blowing cold air, then several things could have caused this. Before you go ahead and call a technician, it is crucial to find the root of the problem. That way, the expert would solve the problem faster, which means you will have fresh air in no time. Keep in mind that as soon as you notice your HVAC is not blowing cold air, you should take action, or the problem could worsen.
To get started, let’s look at the first steps you should take when this happens.
What should I do if my HVAC is not blowing cold air?
When you notice your HVAC is not blowing cold air is checking if there is airflow at all. While you do this, make sure that nothing is obstructing the vents. Things such as curtains or furniture need to be moved, in case they are blocking the airflow.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, then you need to change your HVAC filter. Keep in mind that depending on the system you have at home, there is a specific filter you should get. Usually, this is something that the technician will explain when he installs your HVAC. However, in case you don’t remember, here is what you should do.
First, go to your HVAC system and turn it off. Then locate the filter, which should be in the middle. Take out the front panels, and on the side of your current filter, you can find the exact measurements you need to purchase. To change your filter, just follow the same steps, but at the end, turn on your AC.
After changing the filter, your system should be working once again. But, in case this doesn’t help, that means something else is wrong with your HVAC.
6 reasons your HVAC is not blowing cold air
In case, changing your filter doesn’t fix the current situation. Then that is a sign that you need to check other elements inside your system.
1. Your HVAC has a limit
You need to consider that all HVAC systems have a limit. This means that these appliances cannot compete with the outside temperature of your home. For instance, there are some places in which summer is too hot, plus, there are high levels of humidity. In this case, it is normal that your HVAC struggles in the middle of the day.
Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean that you need to replace your HVAC system. This is only a sign that the current temperature is beyond the capacity of your AC. To solve this, you can close the doors and windows. That way, you can create a close environment your system can keep cool.
2. Insufficient power
If you have been cleaning around the house, it is possible that by accident, you unplugged your HVAC system. To make sure this is not the problem, check the outlet and cord of your AC. In case both items are fine, then you could have an issue with the electrical panel. Sometimes, due to the high voltage your system needs, a fuse will blow. After identifying the problem, it is vital to talk to the HVAC technician. That way, they can come prepared to fix your appliance.
3. Dirty condenser
Have you ever wondered what is the outside part of your AC? Well, that is the condenser. If your HVAC system is not blowing cold air, then your condenser might be clogged. This means your air conditioner is working harder to pull the air inside your home. Luckily, if the condenser is the problem, you can fix it without the help of a technician. However, be careful, or you can end up breaking something.
To clean a dirty condenser, you only need some mild soap, water and a microfiber cloth. Then, just gently wipe all the dirt. After, to avoid this situation from happening again, you should invest in a weatherproof cover.
4. Check thermostat
When your HVAC system is not blowing cold air, maybe the issue could be something as simple as your thermostat. We all know that when you live with many family members everyone changes the thermostat during the day. To fix this, check your thermostat and dial it down to the desired temperature. Further, make sure that the thermostat is plugged in or has enough batteries.
5. Refrigerant leak
The refrigerant is located between the indoor and outdoor units. This is a key element inside your HVAC system. That’s why if there is something wrong with your refrigerant, your AC would not work. The good news is that a refrigerant never runs out, which means you’ll never have to worry about replacing it. However, sometimes there could be a refrigerant leak. If that is the case, then you have to call an expert.
To identify a refrigerant leak, you need to check if there is a frosty buildup around your unit. A hissing sound could also be a sign that there is an issue with the refrigerant.
6. Clogged Drain
Your HVAC system does not only produces warm and cold air for your home but also removes moisture from the air. After this process, the water will drain out through a hose or pipe. But, sometimes, this drain could be clogged the algae. This will result in a complete shutdown of the system. If this keeps going on for a long time, it could damage your unit. To fix this issue, you will have to replace the pipe or clean it using bleach.
Now if anyone asks, “why my HVAC is not blowing cold air”, you’ll know how to help them solve the issue. Remember that in some cases need to call a technician, since it would be dangerous to fix it on your own.